Celebrate Sawyer Cipolla

Sawyer Cipolla, Age 7, went missing from his residence on May 7, 2022.

Law enforcement agencies and first responders from across Kodiak Island immediately responded to the area and started an intense multi-day search.

Throughout the search, more than 2,500 volunteer searchers, fourteen search and rescue dog teams, and search and rescue professionals covered just under 10,000 acres of Kodiak Island searching for Sawyer.

In addition to the extensive ground search, the US Coast Guard, Alaska Army National Guard, and private aircraft flew dozens of missions above the coastline, waterways, and terrain. Volunteer drone pilots used thermal imaging to search across the Kodiak area. The US Navy SEALs and US Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak Rescue Swimmers conducted specialized searches along the coast, swept freshwater ponds, and traversed steep and rugged terrain. Colonel Bryan Barlow, Director of the Alaska State Troopers, commented that this was one of the most thorough ground searches in Alaska’s history. Despite relentless searching, covering a great deal of the search area at least twice, there were no actionable clues or signs of Sawyer located in the probable area.

On May 15, 2022, the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified that two adults recreating in the Pillar Mountain area had located a deceased juvenile. Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers immediately responded to the site. Troopers identified the deceased juvenile as 7-year-old Kodiak resident Sawyer Cipolla who was reported missing on May 7, 2022.

Monies raised will be donated to the Kodiak Public Library to create spaces for children with special sensory needs to enjoy the library. The library was one of Sawyer’s favorite places to visit. He enjoyed going to the library and participating in a wide variety of activities.

Items that will be purchased include:

Message from Sawyer’s Family –

To us, Sawyer was our guiding light. He inspired us to strive to have a hero's character to match what he effortlessly portrayed. He gave lessons freely about relentless perseverance, resilience, unharnessed joy, unbridled care for those he loved, the importance of deep trust, and how to be a genuine person. Sometimes when Sawyer had a hard day, he would say, “I need you.” It wasn't a superficial request; instead, he needed you to share your heart and soul. He wanted to share his with us. The request and act of sharing our hearts and souls with one another brought us all peace.

The day he started to walk at nine months old, he stood and fell and stood and fell. We sat next to him, laughing and marveling at this little person who joyfully would not give up. By ten months, he was running. He grew into the most naturally dexterous and graceful runner. It was like watching art as he glided over land and rocks.

During swim lessons at four years old, he walked up to the high dive stairs and started to climb them while shaking but putting one foot in front of the other. His swim teacher waited patiently. He put his toes on the edge, took a deep breath, and jumped. We were left struck by his courage. It’s hard, sometimes even impossible, to do things that scare us. He made us brave. He made us stronger to match his incredible soul.

We rescued a dog from a shelter in our hometown and brought him to Kodiak. A skittish dog that scared Sawyer but every time that dog misbehaved, we would encourage Sawyer to put him to bed to show him who was boss. But in true Sawyer fashion, what started as punishment, would turn into feeding the dog, laying on him, and putting himself in the crate with the dog so that he wasn't alone.

Sawyer loved Kodiak. He thrived here. He commented several times to us, “I'm going to make my mark.” We told him every time, “Yeah, you are.” We like to think he made his mark here and with those that knew him and even with people who never met him personally. He touched so many people in our community.

Sawyer had a gentle, loving heart and was the best big brother. Often giving way to his little brother being the ringleader and big boss. He would battle anything that hurt Cato, whether it was the mean floor that made him fall (“I am going to hit it," or "I'm going to hit the ground!”).

Sawyer was also patient, giving, and kind. He taught his brother to see the gentler and subtle side of life. He had taught his brother to pet bumble bees in the front yard. Sawyer would explain and encourage Cato by saying, “Come on, baby.”

Among the list of Sawyer's mischievous deeds were:

Making the dog look like a monk by cutting the top of her hair off, brushing her teeth to “make sure she doesn't have sugar bugs,” and teaching the dog to let him ride her by giving her a whole box of treats.

One day, he came home from school and answered, “What did you do at school?” with the widest Grinch grin saying “I stole Mr. Lawless's sandwich.” This was later revealed to be true, as an act of righteous game of theft.

The endless bouts of “Tag.... chase me!” even while cooking, reading, cleaning or laundry.

Sneaking into his brother's bed, or brother sneaking into his bed in the middle of the night as evidenced by all their laughing, giggling, and jumping in the bed together. Sometimes they snuggled as best of friends.

We share these memories of Sawyer with you out of love and to share some of the joy he brought to our lives. Always work through the hard things, sometimes choose the hard thing and never give up.

This was not written in sadness but in joy and love.

Sawyer is one of the greatest joys of our life. We hope this helps you to know Sawyer and remember him. HE MADE HIS MARK!!! Please use his example to enrich your life with adventure, courage, and boundless resilience.

We don't have words for you other than thank you. His brother says, “If you are lost, never give up until you find your way home.”

We want to extend our thanks to all of the Kodiak community volunteers and agencies that participated in the search, including: Kodiak Police Department, City of Kodiak Fire Department, Bayside Fire Department, Kodiak Island Search and Rescue, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anchorage Police Department, Sand Point Police Department, US Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, US Coast Guard Base Kodiak, US Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley, US Coast Guard Investigative Service, US Navy Seals, Alaska Air National Guard Rescue Coordination Center, K9 search and rescue teams from Anchorage and Mat-Su including; MATSAR, AKSSD, and ASARD.

We also want to recognize all the businesses and families who supported the search by providing supplies to keep the incident command, volunteers at Bayside Fire Department, and the thousands of searchers fueled during the search.

We understand that by listing everyone that helped, we run the risk of excluding a group, business, or individual person that volunteered. Please know that we thank you and appreciate the efforts you contributed.

-The Cipolla Family

To celebrate Sawyer, the Cipolla Family has decided to hold a 6K run and one-mile walk. On August 27, 2022, Kodiak will hold the inaugural Run, Learn, and Play 6k and One-mile walk. The event will be a celebration of Sawyer and offer an opportunity for the community to come together and learn more about the resilient and remarkable Sawyer.

(Please note that if you would rather support this cause by donating via check, you can mail or drop off checks made out to the Sawyer Cipolla Foundation, to the Discover Kodiak offices at 100E Marine Way, STE 200, Kodiak, Alaska 99615.)